In this particular post, I'm going to talk about Elizabethan hairstyles. Here is a portrait of Queen Elizabeth I herself.
(no date). Available at: http://www.england-history.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/elizabeth_11.jpg (Accessed: 4 December 2014).
There are a number of different hairstyles that the women and men popularised. It was all dependant on their social class too. Most hairstyles were extremely influenced by Queen Elizabeth herself. She was a noble, upper class lady therefore people of all classes looked up to her and her high fashion sense. Her fashion as well as hairstyles were highly elaborate and this was known as the 'Peacock age.' The upper class men were often dressed even more elaborate than the women. As Queen Elizabeth, her goal was to receive attention from her high fashion, and men of this era in the upper class also received almost just as much attention for their hair and fabulous beards.
'It was important for Queen Elizabeth to maintain her image and the beauty of a 'Virgin Queen'. The Elizabethan view of ideal beauty was a woman with light hair and a snow white complexion complimented with red cheeks and red lips. Queen Elizabeth achieved this picture of ideal beauty by using white make-up. This explains the odd white face make-up seen in many of her portraits. Queen Elizabeth had a natural red colour hair. This red hair look was emulated by many of the nobility of the Elizabethan era, as was the fair hair ideal of an ideal woman! An Upper Class Elizabethan woman followed this fashion further and might even dye her hair yellow with a mixture of saffron, cumin seed, celandine and oil!'
Elizabethan Hair Styles (no date b). Elizabethan Hair Styles. Available at: http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizabethan-hair-styles.htm (Accessed: 4 December 2014).
Men and women of the upper class wore ruffs or ruffles which framed their faces. Men of this era would usually have short hair, and a 'swept up' look for women. Before women were married, they would wear their hair down as a sign of virginity, or it was an ideal hairstyle for a bride on her wedding day. A bride of this era would cover her hair in flowers.
When a woman was married, their hair would mostly be covered by a variety of different head coverings. Usually the hair would be put up into a bun so that the head covering could easily be pinned on.
Fringes were never in fashion during this era, as it was popular to have a high forehead. Hairstyles were usually designed to compliment the style of the hat they would wear. Frizzy hair texture was also very popular as Queen Elizabeth I had this particular hair type. If women had straight hair, it would be accompanied by a middle parting with a French hood (usually).
Head Coverings
Most of the head coverings that were used in this era, were usually covered by jewels and many other accessories such as gold threads, and lace.
Coif - This was also known as the 'biggin' and was worn by all children in this era. It was a plain white linen material, and were usually worn to keep the hair in place, rather than a fashion statement. A close fitting cap was tied under the chin to keep it in place.
(no date b). Available at: http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/a8/d5/55/a8d555c19f79befd3328a7017dc191ab.jpg (Accessed: 4 December 2014).
French Hood - This head covering was introduced in the French Court, by Queen Elizabeth I's mother; Anne Boleyn. This particular head covering reminds me of an Alice band. It's a 'half moon' styled head band which slopes away from the face. The edges were usually decorated with jewels or pearls; also known as bilaments. A veil also covered the back of the hair.
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Atifet - This is very similar to the French Hood previously explained. The difference is that the front of this head covering is heart shaped. It also had laced trimmings added to it.
(no date d). Available at: http://trystancraft.com/costume/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/1580-Lady-FransPourbusOlder.jpg (Accessed: 4 December 2014).
Caul - The caul is an Elizabethan hair net. It is used to cover the back of the head, which was made of fabric. Sometimes, the fabric would be covered by netted chord. This was often decorated with spangles.
http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/12/3b/b7/123bb70783a909c5634d7dda0d618c93.jpg
Pillbox hat - This usually had a veil attached to the back of it.
http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/e6/be/d1/e6bed1148d17fa53d4bcddafc511f751.jpg
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